News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Take the go2HR Employer Survey
Take the go2HR Employer Survey by November 1, 2024.
Help go2HR shape the future of tourism and hospitality by participating in the Employer Survey. Insights from this survey will be used to better understand the key human resource, health and safety, and training issues and opportunities facing the tourism and hospitality industry in BC.
Respondents will be entered to win one of six $500 regional travel credits, which can be used for a BC world-class experience.
Please complete the survey by November 1, 2024.
New Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Online Courses by go2HR
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace. EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
go2HR is offering online Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training courses so tourism and hospitality employers can get started on their journey or continue to grow their EDI practices.
Tailored for the tourism industry, the courses will equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace.
EDI can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism, improve on recruitment success, and have positive impacts on employee’s mental health.
The online courses are:
2SLGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion Training - $50
Introduction to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - $35
Navigating Cultural Diversity in the Workplace - $40
Unconscious Bias in the Workplace - $40
Commit to Workplace Safety for National Safety & Health Week
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Create a safe and strong workplace by accessing free resources and training from go2HR.
May 6 to 11 is National Safety & Health Week. Employers can gear up for this week-long event by accessing the free resources from go2HR.
Health & safety training promotes a positive safety culture that results in the reduction rate and duration of injuries, improves employee morale, and attracts and retains employees.
go2HR New Safety Basics Health & Safety Orientation Training (Free)
The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
The Safety Basics Orientation Course is a free, online, asynchronous health and safety training for new and young workers, designed to meet the WorkSafeBC regulatory requirement to provide a health and safety orientation.
This newest addition to go2HR's training portfolio will also help employers deliver a positive onboarding experience, showcasing your commitment to creating a healthy and safe work environment.
Thompson Okanagan Wage Survey by go2HR | Submit by April 14, 2023
go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The goal for this survey is to provide results in a timely manner so that employers can use real-time data to inform their business planning the upcoming summer season and beyond.
The survey is open until April 14, 2023 and participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions. If successful, the survey will be repeated on an annual basis.
go2HR is conducting a confidential wage survey for tourism and hospitality employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. The survey aims to compile current, region-specific wage information to help Thompson Okanagan employers make informed decisions about their business planning for the upcoming summer season and beyond.
The survey is open until April 14, 2023 and participants will receive a report in May 2023 with region-specific wage information to assist employers in making informed business decisions. Results will not be shared publicly.
The goal for this survey is to provide results in a timely manner so that employers can use real-time data to inform their business planning the upcoming summer season and beyond.
If successful, the survey will be repeated on an annual basis.
Background
Why a wage survey?
The go2HR Regional HR Advisory Services team recognized a need for current, region-specific wage information through go2HR's ongoing work with employers in the Thompson Okanagan region and many requests over the past years.
Credible wage surveys are valuable in any economic environment. They provide statistical insights into the markets in which you compete for employee skills. A better understanding of current salary ranges in the region allow you to build your own compensation structures more effectively.
Many large companies complete these salary surveys for different occupations, such as for sales and marketing, accounting, and human resources. The results are typically broken down by large[r] geographic areas like cities across the country (Vancouver, Calgary, etc.). They do not allow for, or typically poll, smaller centres like the Thompson Okanagan tourism region.
This survey is intended as a truly regional solution in a similar way that the go2HR Employment Tracker provides region-specific data to track changes in employment and major trends in our industry and to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19.
Why now?
As part of the HR Advisory Services initiative that began early in the summer of 2022, wages have emerged as a key theme for businesses several regions. By conducting a regional wage survey, Thompson Okanagan employers will have data that can be used to inform their practices and prepare for the upcoming summer season and beyond.
This Regional Wage Survey began as a 2-year pilot project in the fall of 2022 in the Kootenay Rockies Tourism region. Building on its success, the survey, and methodology, go2HR is now offering the survey to employers in the Thompson Okanagan region. If successful, this will be repeated on an annual basis.
What’s in it for my business?
When you sign up to participate, you get access to all the results. These results will not be shared with the general public or any non-participating businesses, and could give you a ‘leg up’ in this highly competitive market for talent.
The “ask” of participating businesses:
After you sign up to participate, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Sector and size of business
Sub-region within the Thompson Okanagan in which the business is located
Entry level wages for each position on the list that you have in your business.
Employment type - seasonal, year-round, or if both
Seasonal bonuses and, if so, the amount
Positions to Be Surveyed
Leadership
Housekeeping supervisor
Executive housekeeper
Front Desk Supervisor
Front Office Manager
Accounting Supervisor
F&B Supervisor
F&B Manager
Chef de Partie
Sous Chef
Executive Chef
Retail Manager
Activities Manager or Operations
Manager
Golf Supervisor
Entry Level
Room attendant or housekeeper
House person or room checker
Laundry attendant
Front Desk Agent
Night Auditor
Server
Bartender
Dishwasher
Line or Prep Cook or Cook
Retail attendant or associate
Activities attendant
Activity Coordinator
Activity Guide
Turf care specialist
Golf Services Agent or Specialist
Beverage Cart Host or Server
Maintenance Worker
Bus Driver
For more info, please email HR@go2HR.ca.
Spread the Word
Please share this opportunity with HR and management team members at your company and with other tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region.
go2HR Announces Six Regional HR Consultants to Support BC Tourism Labour Recovery
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR announced a two-year initiative, providing a regional HR consultant to work with tourism and hospitality businesses for all six destination development areas in BC.
go2HR modelled the new Regional HR Consultants initiative after a successful pilot project in the Thompson Okanagan region that started six years ago.
The consultants provide a wide variety of services to tourism operators in BC including recruitment, onboarding, retention, HR Advice and more.
Staying Safe During High Temperatures
With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress. go2HR has put together some practical resources to provide employers with information, including appropriate control measures that may help to reduce the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.
With higher temperatures starting to settle in, it is important that employers are aware of the effects heat can have on their workers, and are taking action to prevent heat stress.
go2HR has put together some practical resources to provide employers with information, including appropriate control measures that may help to reduce the effects of heat exposure in the workplace.
go2HR Regional Workforce Profiles
go2HR released Regional Workforce Profiles to support employers and people seeking work in the tourism and hospitality sector. The Workforce Profiles describe 11 profiles of the 2021 tourism and hospitality workforce, including demographic information to better understand the nuances of the industry workforce and an analysis of how the workforce has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
go2HR released Regional Workforce Profiles to support employers and people seeking work in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The Workforce Profiles are an up-to-date and accurate description of the 2021 tourism and hospitality workforce. The 11 Workforce Profiles provide detailed demographic information to better understand the nuances of the industry workforce. The Workforce Profiles also offer an analysis of how the workforce has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Post a Job on the go2HR Job Board
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services. The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information (LMI) Research Project & Report | go2HR
go2HR has shared the report for the BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information (LMI) research project, which launched in January 2021 with the purpose of developing up-to-date and relevant LMI to provide the industry with the data needed to ensure a thriving workforce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings will help inform labour strategies to support labour recovery.
go2HR has shared the report for the BC Tourism & Hospitality Labour Market Information (LMI) research project, which launched in January 2021 with the purpose of developing up-to-date and relevant LMI to provide the industry with the data needed to ensure a thriving workforce during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Research findings will help inform labour strategies to support labour recovery.
The LMI project created new analytical resources for labour recovery planning for the industry, such as the BC Tourism & Hospitality Employment Tracker, which tracks monthly employment metrics in the industry, by region, and by worker demographics.
The project created 11 Workforce Profiles, providing in-depth information on key employment and demographics of the workforce offered from a provincial, sector and regional perspective.
The LMI Research Project Final Report details a labour recovery framework, labour demand projections, recovery scenarios, and a summary of worker and employer sentiments about the industry, as well as recommendations to plot the path forward on labour recovery.
Complimentary Access to go2HR SuperHost® Courses through Tourism Resiliency Program
go2HR has kindly offered BC Tourism Resiliency Network clients complimentary seats for their online SuperHost® Customer Service Training courses. The online and self-paced courses help participants gain skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork, as well as knowledge to create exceptional customer service experiences, leading to greater customer satisfaction, increased revenue and business bottom line, and a happier, more productive workplace.
There is a limited number of licenses and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so enroll as soon as possible. Once started, registrants will have 60 days to complete the course and will receive a printable certificate upon completion.
go2HR has kindly offered BC Tourism Resiliency Network clients complimentary seats for their online SuperHost® Customer Service Training courses, Service For All and Foundations for Service Quality.
There is a limited number of licenses and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis so enroll as soon as possible. Once started, registrants will have 60 days to complete the course and will receive a printable certificate upon completion.
How to Enroll
To access the courses, sign up for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program (if your company did not previously register).
The Tourism Resiliency Program is a free service that connects you with a TOTA advisor. After your initial call, your advisor will share the instructions to access the SuperHost® courses.
You can connect with your advisor as needed and will receive special offers and discounts as they become available.
If you have any questions, email Recovery@TOTABC.com.
About SuperHost®
The SuperHost® suite of courses brings relevant, up-to-date customer service training to front-line staff in every industry at an affordable price. SuperHost® equips customer service employees with the practical skills and knowledge they need to meet and exceed their customers’ expectations.
In these online and self-paced courses, participants will gain skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork, as well as knowledge to create exceptional customer service experiences. Ultimately, these skills will lead to greater customer satisfaction, increased revenue and business bottom line, and a happier, more productive workplace.
The regular price of the courses is $59.
Course Details
Foundations for Service Quality
A comprehensive and practical introduction to customer service best practices, SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality is an essential first step for all customer service professionals. Designed to sharpen in-demand transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, this course is full of interactive activities and action-oriented tips to prepare you for the front lines.
The course is ideal for people entering the workforce for the first time or after a significant break, or who are relatively new at working in a frontline, customer-facing role.
Suggested Time: 6 hours
Service For All
Service For All offers up-to-date information to help front-line staff understand distinct customer groups and their needs, along with practical, action-oriented tips to adjust service to meet those needs – every time.
The course covers how to avoid stereotypes through empathy and sensitivity; and how to use professionally appropriate language when delivering diverse service. Participants will learn practical tips to adjust customer service delivery to meet diverse customer needs for different generations, persons with disabilities, individuals in the LGBTQ/2S community, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, and more!
Suggested Time: 8 hours
go2HR / CMHA Free Workplace Learning Coaches Now Available
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers and available at no cost.
The coaches act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns.
The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.
Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, CMHA BC Division has rigorously trained the coaches.
go2HR’s new Workplace Learning Coaches are ready to engage with employers and available at no cost.
The coaches act as mental wellness “concierges” who offer personalized, one-on-one support addressing stress, burnout, isolation, uncertainty about the future, and other concerns.
The coaches also work with supervisors and employers to establish a foundation of psychological safety in the workplace and create an environment that enhances connection, productivity and retention.
Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, CMHA BC Division has rigorously trained the coaches.
New Worker Health & Safety Orientation Checklist | go2HR
go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a customizable New Worker Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to make your summer season orientations easy. The checklist covers the regulated health and safety training topics, in addition to a variety of restaurant-specific examples to get you started.
By following a consistent approach to orientation training, you can be confident that you are communicating your workplace responsibilities, hazards, and procedures to all new hires.
go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a customizable New Worker Health and Safety Orientation Checklist to make your summer season orientations easy. The checklist covers the regulated health and safety training topics, in addition to a variety of restaurant-specific examples to get you started.
By following a consistent approach to orientation training, you can be confident that you are communicating your workplace responsibilities, hazards, and procedures to all new hires.
go2HR Resources to Enhance Workplace Health and Safety Culture
To help tourism and hospitality employers manage workplace violence, go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a suite of checklists designed to assist businesses in addressing violence in the workplace by focusing on proactive prevention tasks, staff training topics, and appropriate incident response.
go2HR has provided information and a checklist to help employers take a proactive approach to managing challenging guest interactions and prevent escalation.
Responding to challenging guest interactions can take a physical, emotional, and psychological toll on workers, affecting their work and personal lives. Other unwanted consequences can include increased absenteeism, high turnover, negative public image, and lost productivity if the risk of workplace violence is not adequately addressed.
Challenging guest interactions can include worker harassment, verbal abuse and, in escalating situations, even physical violence. Let's take this example: A group of guests are angry due to longer-than-usual wait times to enter an establishment. They are becoming visibly agitated and are being disrespectful to the frontline worker. What if the worker hasn't been trained on how to respond to this kind of escalating situation?
By implementing proactive measures to support workers and having appropriate incident response procedures, employers can positively influence the workplace safety culture. Additionally, they can show their workers that they genuinely care about worker personal safety and wellbeing.
Employers in BC have a legal responsibility to protect workers from violence (including harassment). This can be accomplished by:
Conducting a risk assessment to determine the risk of violence
Implementing suitable control measures to protect workers, such as specific cash handling procedures or posting supportive signage
Determining and adhering to appropriate staffing levels to avoid working alone
Training workers to recognize the risk and how to respond to intensifying situations
Developing incident response procedures that include de-escalation techniques and incident follow up
Checklists for the Workplace
To help tourism and hospitality employers manage workplace violence, go2HR’s health and safety professionals have developed a suite of checklists. These are designed to assist businesses in addressing violence in the workplace by focusing on proactive prevention tasks, staff training topics, and appropriate incident response.
Tips for Onboarding New Staff | go2HR
go2HR has put together a guide for employee onboarding.
The value of properly onboarding new employees shouldn’t be underestimated. The time is an investment to have and retain well-trained employees. Given the current labour shortage, it just makes good business sense to nurture your relationship with your newest employees. go2HR has some great tips for helping you onboard new staff.
go2HR has put together a guide for employee onboarding.
The value of properly onboarding new employees shouldn’t be underestimated. The time is an investment to have and retain well-trained employees. Given the current labour shortage, it just makes good business sense to nurture your relationship with your newest employees. go2HR has some great tips for helping you onboard new staff.
Human Resources Industry Toolkit - go2HR
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
The go2HR team developed an industry toolkit with employer HR resources for the coming season. The toolkit has downloadable and customizable resources that can help in the following areas of HR:
Recruitment
Onboarding
On the Job
Departure
From recruitment best practices to sample interview questions, including templates to manage employee performance, this HR Toolkit is a great resource whether you are hiring your first employee and not sure where to start, or you are an experienced manager looking to update current HR practices, policies, or procedures.
go2HR Guide to Employment Help for Ukrainians
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
go2HR has prepared a guide to help BC tourism and hospitality employers who are keen to assist Ukrainian newcomers through employment, for those who are interested, but not sure if they can or how to start.
go2HR Seeking Board Nominations by April 29, 2022
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). They are committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators. Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors? The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue the strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC. Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022.
go2HR is currently seeking nominations for three director positions (2 year term). go2HR is committed to renewing their board with diversified representation and keen to receive nominations from women, Indigenous operators, northern BC employers, and educators.
Are you interested in running for a position on go2HR’s Board of Directors?
The organization needs your expertise and leadership to help them continue the strategic journey to realize strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC.
Now more than ever, go2HR's work is needed to support BC’s tourism and hospitality recovery.
All completed nominations forms must be submitted to go2HR no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022.
go2HR Employee Training Programs
go2HR offers several online and free/affordable training opportunities to support training and development of the BC tourism industry and to create safe and successful workplaces.
The following courses may be helpful for you and your team members:
FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education: Self-paced BC food safety course and certification.
BSAFE™ - BC Safety Assured For Everyone: Free front line worker foundational health and safety course
Safer Spaces - Course for Employers and Supervisors: Free online course about preventing sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Course (includes WHMIS): Free workplace safety training for young or new workers in tourism, including rights and responsibilities, and common hazards.
SuperHost Customer Service Training: Affordable, relevant and quality customer service training for front-line employees, available online.
Workplace Wellness CARE Certificate: Free online training to learn to maintain mental health and care for another person experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.
go2HR offers several online and free/affordable training opportunities to support training and development of the BC tourism industry and to create safe and successful workplaces.
The following courses may be helpful for you and your team members:
FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education: Self-paced BC food safety course and certification.
BSAFE™ - BC Safety Assured For Everyone: Free front line worker foundational health and safety course
Safer Spaces - Course for Employers and Supervisors: Free online course about preventing sexual harassment in tourism and hospitality workplaces.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Course (includes WHMIS): Free workplace safety training for young or new workers in tourism, including rights and responsibilities, and common hazards.
SuperHost Customer Service Training: Affordable, relevant and quality customer service training for front-line employees, available online.
Workplace Wellness CARE Certificate: Free online training to learn to maintain mental health and care for another person experiencing a mental or emotional crisis.
Post a Job on the go2HR Job Board
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services. The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.
The go2HR job board is free for tourism and hospitality employers operating in British Columbia. Post jobs and hiring events to find quality employees in Accommodation, Food and Beverage Services, Recreation and Entertainment, Transportation, and Travel Services.
The go2HR Job Board receives 20,000 monthly visits from qualified candidates looking for front-line, supervisory, management or executive positions.